The Amazing Impact Five Counties Has Had On Scott's Life

Two-year-old Scott was born with a severe form of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and first started coming to Five Counties in Peterborough when he was a week old so he could learn to eat without choking. His syndrome is characterized by slow growth which makes him short for his age with four fingers on one hand.

His physiotherapist worked on Scott’s balance as he was learning to sit up and crawl. She also suggested adding a strap inside his walker to give him more stability and more confidence.

Just a month before his second birthday, Scott discovered the freedom of walking on his own, thanks to a mini-walker built just for him. Six months later, he took his first steps without it.

His progress has been amazing as most kids with the same condition cannot even sit up yet. “They are not expected to walk until age four to six, if they live that long,” says his mother Joanna. “Yet our determined little boy does front rolls at his gymnastics class every week. He may be small, but no one should underestimate him.”

Scott started coming to Five Counties when he was a week old. He has made tremendous progress since then. (photo courtesy Five Counties)

“He was cheered on in the hallways by staff as he zipped from room to room, with a big smile on his face,” she adds. “Only my grin was wider. He made me so proud. Next, we plan to have him compete in a children’s triathlon alongside our two daughters. After all, we want him to have the same opportunities our daughters will have. It’s great to see him as a typical two-year-old. Now we are getting to see what he’s capable of and he’s so happy!”

Lyn Giles, Director of Fund Development at Five Counties, says “while our sites are closed, be assured that we are continuing to do all we can to address the immediate needs of our clients like Scott. We know that virtual care and telephone consultation is not a temporary solution for supporting families during this emergency closure. At Five Counties, services online and by phone will be our new normal and will continue to be the backbone of our service delivery model for several months as we gradually re-open our sites.”

Five Counties offers services and treatment to more than 4,000 children each year, including more than 1,400 in Peterborough County alone. However, the demand for services outstrips the government funding available and waiting lists remain.

For more information about Five Counties programs and services or to make a donation, call 1-888-779-9916 or 705-748-2337 or email here.

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